Previous Big Lunch in Dorset
Get out the bunting for the sixth annual Big Lunch! This community spirited event takes place next Sunday, 1 June.
Around four million people throughout the UK are expected to take part in this year’s event, a simple idea from the Eden Project to encourage people to get together with their neighbours and to create stronger links in the community.
There will be events of all shapes and sizes taking place, from small garden gatherings to village halls full of shared food and old fashioned street parties.
Research has shown that that there are many benefits to having a Big Lunch. More than 60 per cent of organisers say having an event in their community made them feel less isolated and 86 per cent of the 3.65 million people who took part in last year’s Big Lunch reported a positive long-term effect in their neighbourhood as a result.
One local event is being organised by Sturminster Newton Rotary Club. Desmond O’Connor the secretary of the club said: “We are really trying to foster community spirit in Sturminster Newton as although there are many long-standing residents who know each other well, there has been a large influx of people from Poole and Bournemouth in recent years and we want to make sure that everyone feels part of the community.
“Events such as The Big Lunch are a great way of getting people together and giving them the opportunity to chat and make new friends. With so many families picnicking and playing together, they can’t help but mix and strike up new conversations.”
The day will have a 1940s’ theme, with fancy dress, live music and traditional games as well as a bouncy castle, Punch and Judy and a treasure hunt.
It’s not too late for people to get involved with the Lottery-funded initiative. The Big Lunch website contains a whole host of hints and tips on how to make a simple, fun and inexpensive event for the whole community.
For more information, go to: www.thebiglunch.com
